11 Reasons Why I Got Hooked On Korean Television Dramas

Many years ago, my good friend Vong told me she was hooked on Korean television dramas. I remember thinking – really, Vong – how can you watch that kind of Asian fluffy drama? Now we fast-forward another 10 years, and Vong and I are having regular phone conversations about what Korean dramas and movie stars we love. I admit it, I am hooked on Korean television dramas.

Here are the reasons why I have gotten hooked on Korean television dramas 1) Jane Austen would approve, 2) great actors and actresses, 3) well-developed characters, 4) you will laugh, 5) you will cry, 6) you see yourself in the drama, 7) good clean fun, 8) usually has a happy ending, 9) great fashion, 10) lots of food and 11) I have learned to bow and say “thank you” in Korean.

11 Compelling Reasons That Drew Me to Korean TV Dramas
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11 Compelling Reasons That Drew Me to Korean TV Dramas

Exploring the magnetic allure of Korean television dramas, I’ve pinpointed eleven distinct reasons that have captivated my interest. From the Jane Austen-esque narratives that resonate with depth and romance to the exceptional talent of Korean actors and actresses bringing life to each scene, the appeal is multifaceted.

The shows feature intricately developed characters, sparking both laughter and tears, often mirroring our own life experiences. They promise good, wholesome entertainment, often culminating in satisfyingly happy endings.

The dramas also serve as a showcase of striking fashion trends and a visual feast of Korean cuisine, enriching the cultural experience. Additionally, immersing myself in these dramas has even led me to embrace aspects of Korean culture, like learning the nuances of bowing and expressing gratitude in Korean.

If you have not tried watching a Korean drama, you need to start watching one. At first I was apprehensive, but now I am glad I did, as I am hooked!

Jane Austen Would Approve Of Korean TV Dramas

I am a huge Jane Austen fan. Many modern-day Korean drama television shows are like a great Jane Austen novel, which Jane Austen would have approved.

You have the character who is poor but a very good person (i.e., Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice), the rich person who you may first think is spoiled or stuck up but later discover is very likable (Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice). You have the rich girl or boy who, at first, you think is shallow but later discovers their hidden depth (Emma).

Just like in a Jane Austen novel, you have a bunch of human misunderstandings and assumptions in Korean television dramas. And even some evil characters show us that evil never wins, but good and love will prevail.

Like a great Jane Austen story, a Korean drama is never 100% straightforward. Pl plots, sub-plots, meddling families and relatives, and other stories go along with the main story. You get hooked on the main story and the subplots.

This is why Jane Austen would have approved of Korean television dramas. And why I also see Korean dramas as modern-day Jane Austen stories.

Actors and Actresses are Great In Korean TV Dramas

Surprisingly, there are top-notch Korean actors and actresses. Even many supporting Korean actors or actresses are unique and fit into their roles well.

I am not sure who is doing the casting, but many of the dramas I have watched on Netflix have some well-developed characters. The actors and actresses are very believable and seem very much at home.

Even though I am reading subtitles for the entire show and hardly speak a word of Korean, I can still feel their personalities on the screen.

Well-Developed Characters In Korean TV Dramas

I like the characters. I find that they are well-developed. When I watch a Korean series, they become a part of me. I may think about and wonder about them during the day.

There are not many western movies or series where I think about the characters as much as I do about these Korean television dramas. While waiting to watch the next episode, I think about the plot and wonder what will happen next.

These movies have well-developed characters, just like a great Jane Austen novel. My grandfather used to say that Jane Austen was his favorite author as she understood human nature. I feel this way about many Korean television dramas – they understand human nature.

You Will Laugh When Watching Korean TV Dramas

I have laughed more times than I can tell you while watching some Korean dramas. Sometimes I have laughed so hard I could hardly breathe.

There is usually a lot of great and fun comedy in excellent Korean television dramas. So be ready to be entertained and have some good laughs.

You Will Cry When Watching Korean TV Dramas

But you will also cry. There can be some touching scenes in those movies. And OH MY, how can the Korean men cry? You rarely see men cry in Western movies, but in Korean dramas, be ready to see many men cry and show emotion. Some of them will be on screen, just bawling their eyes out.

For those who live in Asia, we do not see much emotion like this, so I feel these dramas allow this emotion to be let out. After 30 years in Asia, I have never seen an Asia man bawling his eyes out on a street corner.

You Can See Yourself In The Korean TV Dramas

I can see myself in many of the characters. I relate to them. I think this is one of the great things about Korean television dramas in that the dramas bridge the cultural divide and relationships across cultures.

The writers, producers, and the entire team that produces these dramas have done an amazing job of bridging this cultural gap – that even I – an American, can see myself in many of these Korean drama characters.

Korean Dramas Are Just Clean, Fun

The shows are usually just good, clean, and fun. That is also why I say that Jane Austen would approve. Her characters always spent a lot of time falling in love. They did not kiss in the first 10 minutes and slept together in the next 10 minutes.

Korean dramas have that kind of pace. You realize that this person probably likes this person, but the process takes a long time to develop—kind of a bit like a teaser. As I told a friend who is another Korean drama fan, it is sex without sex.

So much so that I had to skip watching the last episode a few times to make sure they got together. Even then, it is just a kiss, not someone rolling in bed naked with someone else.

So if you have children in the house and do not want them to see an adult movie, no worries; most Korean Dramas are good, clean, fun that you can watch with anyone.

Korean Dramas Usually Have Happy Endings

Most of the dramas I watch have happy endings. There may be some death, and one of the heroes or heroines dies, but usually, the end leaves on a happy note. I like that. I want to watch a show that makes me think but also makes me happy. I feel that way about most of the Korean dramas I have watched.

Many Korean Dramas Have Great Fashion

Many of the dramas have some fascinating fashion. First of all, I am not sure why Korean men seem never to wear any socks.

Loafers without socks are the rage. I wonder why no one seems to freeze in the snow without socks. Also, some men’s jackets and coats are bright red with bold flowers and designs. It is like the fashion you may see on the catwalk of the Paris Runway Fashion Week show.

And the women show us a whole new fashion sense. It is OK to wear cute tennis shoes with a cute dress. Or nice oversized sweaters, high heels, and a cute short skirt.

If you are an Asian fashion fan, many of these Korean dramas have a great sense of fashion.

If You Love Food, Korean Dramas Have Lots of Food

Korean dramas have a lot of food and eating. I always smile when I see two people on screen, sitting in a noodle restaurant, making huge slurping noises as they eat their noodles.

It’s not so much different than if you went into an actual noodle restaurant in Asia, as chances are the guy or gal sitting next to you may also be making loud slurping noises.

There also seems to be quite a bit of drinking. Another Asia past time they put in movies and put on screen.

Korean Dramas Teach You How To Bow

Now, after watching so many Korean dramas, I can politely bow like a Korean and say gamsahabnida (감사합니다) or thank you in Korean. I am now ready for my next trip to Korea.

Korean dramas can be addictive. So just be aware that when you watch one, you must watch others. Just know that I have warned you.

You can find Korean dramas on Netflix. We recommend starting with one of our favorites,” Crash Landing On You.” Our other favorites are Romance is a Bonus Book, Chocolate and Cinderella, and The Four Knights.

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What is the Asian Stir-fry Cooking Method?

The Asian stir-fry cooking method is a technique of cooking that started in China but has since spread to the rest of Asia. The food is cooked using the quick-cook method by constantly stirring the ingredients as it is cooking. It is an effortless and healthy cooking technique that anyone master

You can find out more by reading our blog post What is the Asian Stir-fry Cooking Method? by clicking here.

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Thai food is spicy as it combines a few kinds of cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, and Portuguese. The Indians brought curry to Thailand. The Chinese taught the Thais how to cook using a wok, and the Portuguese traded many fruits and vegetables, including red chili.

You can find out more by reading our blog post, Why is Thai Food So Spicy? A Bit of History by clicking here.